Saint Leodegaris c. 17th century

Editor: This engraving, Saint Leodegaris by Jacques Callot, shows what appears to be the torture of a saint. It seems quite brutal for such a small piece. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Callot's print, though small, speaks volumes about power and resistance. The violence enacted upon Leodegaris wasn't just physical; it was a symbolic assault on his authority and the Church's influence. How does the placement of the crown at the bottom alter your perception of power in this image? Editor: It suggests that earthly power is below him, subservient even. Curator: Precisely. Callot subtly critiques the abuse of power, inviting us to consider the relationship between religious authority, earthly rule, and the suffering inflicted in their name. It's a powerful statement on the cost of standing against injustice. Editor: That's a new way to view historical art, seeing it as a commentary on power dynamics.